ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Railways
Railways register more than 10% jump in freight loading compared to last year for same corresponding period
On mission mode, Indian Railways overtakes last years earning as well loading for Freight by a big margin for same corresponding period of last year
Freight loading for the month of September 2020 till 6 September 2020 over takes last year’s figure for the same period in both Financial and Loading terms
Loading crosses last year’s loading for the same period by more than 10 % while earning from freight is also Rs. 129.68 crores higher compare to last year’s earnings for the same period
In the month of September 2020 till 6 September 2020 Indian Railways loading was 19.19 million tonnes which is 10.41%  higher compare to last year’s loading for the same period
Number of concessions/ discounts are also being given in Indian Railways to make Railways Freight movement very attractive
On mission mode, Indian Railways Freight loading for the month of September 2020 till 6 September 2020 crossed last year’s loading and earnings for the same period.
In the month of September 2020 till 6 September 2020 Indian Railways loading was 19.19 million tonnes which is 10.41%  higher compare to last year’s loading for the same period . In this period Indian Railways earned Rs. 1836.15 crores from freight loading which is also Rs. 129.68 crores higher compare to last year’s earnings for the same period 
In the month of September 2020 till 6 September 2020 Indian Railways loading was 19.19 million tonnes which includes 8.11 million tonnes of coal, 2.59 million tonnes of iron ore, 1.2 million tonnes of foodgrains, 1.03 million tonnes of fertilizers and 1.05 million tonnes of cement .
It is worth mentioning that a number of concessions/ discounts are also being given in Indian Railways to make Railways Freight movement very attractive.
It may be noted that improvements in freight movements will be institutionalized and incorporated in the upcoming zero based time table.
Covid 19 has been used by Indian Railways an opportunity to improve all round efficiencies and performances.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Delivery of Ration at Door-Step
Department of food while in view of the fact that some of the beneficiaries may be experiencing difficulty in getting their entitled foodgrains because of their inability to visit the Fair Price Shop  themselves for reasons such as old age , physical disability, etc. has issued instructions to all States/UTs for special dispensation of foodgrains. Further, in this regard no objection has been received from any State/UT by the Department.
Public Distribution System  is operated under the joint responsibility of the Central and State/UT Governments. Central Govt. is responsible for procurement, allocation and transportation of foodgrains upto the designated depots of the FCI. The operational responsibilities for identification of eligible beneficiaries/families, issuance of ration cards to them and maintenance of all record s relating to beneficiaries and distribution of foodgrains, etc. rest with the concerned State/UT Government.
This information was given in a written reply by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri. Danve Raosaheb Dadarao in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Dr Harsh Vardhan’s visit to Bhopal
New Campus of NIREH and multiple facilities at AIIMS Bhopal to be inaugurated
Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, will be starting his one-day visit toBhopal tonight. He is scheduled to inaugurate the New Green Campus of National Institute forResearch in Environment Health , Bhopal along with multiple facilities at AIIMS Bhopal tomorrow 13th March, 2021. He will thereafter attend to events at CSIR-AMPRI, Bhopal in his capacity as Union Minister of Science and Technology.
The Union Health Minister will inaugurate the new green campus of NIREH in the forenoon. He shall lay the Foundation Stone of Administrative Block and dedicate the Auditorium and Skill Lab of AIIMS, Bhopal to the community at 2 pm. He will also be inaugurating the Mycology Advanced Resource Centre established with collaboration of ICMR and the Cancer Treatment Centre . A plantation drive and interaction with the patients who have undergone cochlear implant has also been planned.
In the programme scheduled at 4.15 pm in CSIR-AMPRI, Bhopal, Dr. Harsh Vardhan will lay the Foundation Stone of CSIR-AMPRI Bamboo CompositeStructure/Site, inauguratethe Analytical High Resolution TransmissionElectron Microscopy  Facility, theCentre for Advanced Radiation Shielding &Geopolymeric Materials . He will be visiting the Technology Exhibits and thereafter interact with IndustryPartners. He will also be releasing Fly Ash Compendium of CSIR-AMPRI after his interaction.
The final event of the day shall be Dr. Harsh Vardhan’s address to the Scientists at MOU Signing ceremony between the Dept. of MSME, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh, MPCST, Vigyan Bharti andCSIR at CSIR-AMPRI, Bhopal, which is scheduled from 6.30 pm to 7 pm.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding between India and Suriname on Cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Health of the Government of the Republic of Suriname on Cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine.
The bilateral Memorandum of Understanding will encourage cooperation between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Health of the Government of the Republic of Suriname through joint initiatives and technology development in the health sector. It will strengthen bilateral ties between India and Suriname. It leads towards achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat  by way of sharing of expertise in public health system, and by promoting mutual research in various relevant areas.
Salient Features:
The main areas of cooperation between the two Governments include the following:
- Exchange and Training of medical doctors, officials, other health professionals and experts;
- Assistance in development of human resources and setting up of health care facilities;
- Short term training of human resources in health;
- Regulation of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and cosmetics and exchange of information thereon;
- Promotion of business development opportunities in pharmaceuticals;
- Procurement of generic and essential drugs and assistance in sourcing of drug supplies;
- Procurement of health equipment and pharmaceuticals products;
- Tobacco control;
- Promotion of mental health;
- Early detection and management of depression
- Digital health and Tele-medicine; and
- Any other area of cooperation as may be mutually decided upon.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
158.04 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
India's Active caseload currently stands at 17,36,628
Active cases stand at 4.62%
Recovery Rate currently at 94.09%
1,57,421 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 3,53,94,882
2,38,018 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
8,891 Total Omicron cases detected so far; an increase of 8.31% since yesterday
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
70.54 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 16,49,143 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President to visit US to participate in 2nd World Hindu Congress
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu to visit United States of America on September 8-9, 2018 to address the 2nd World Hindu Congress being held in Chicago on the occasion of 125th Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s Historic Speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in 1893.
The Vice President will also participate in a programme organized by 14 Telugu Associations of the US at Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago. He will also participate in bilateral discussions with several world leaders, who are attending this event, on the sidelines of this Congress.
Necessary steps will be initiated by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance to acquire the membership of the EBRD.
Impact:
· Membership of EBRD would enhance India's international profile and promote its economic interests. Access to EBRD's Countries of Operation and sector knowledge.
· India's investment opportunities would get a boost.
· It would increase the scope of cooperation between India and EBRD through co-financing opportunities in manufacturing, services, Information Technology, and Energy.
· EBRD's core operations pertain to private sector development in their countries of operation. The membership would help India leverage the technical assistance and sectoral knowledge of the bank for the benefit of development of private sector.
· This would contribute to an improved investment climate in the country.
· The membership of EBRD would enhance the competitive strength of the Indian firms, and provide an enhanced access to international markets in terms of business opportunities, procurement activities, consultancy assignments etc.
· This would open up new vistas for Indian professionals on the one hand, and give a fillip to Indian exports on the other.
· Increased economic activities would have the employment generating potential.
· It would also enable Indian nationals to get the employment opportunity in the Bank.
Financial Implications:
The minimum initial investment towards the membership of EBRD will be approximately €1  million. However, this assumption is based on India deciding to buy the minimum number of shares  required for obtaining the membership. If India were to buy a higher number of Bank shares, the financial implications could be higher. In-principle approval of the Cabinet at this stage is being obtained for joining the Bank.
Background
The issue relating to acquiring the membership of the "European Bank for Reconstruction & Development " had been under consideration of the Government. With the country's impressive economic growth over the years and enhanced international political profile, it was considered appropriate that India should expand its presence on the global developmental landscape beyond its association with the Multi-lateral Development Banks  such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and African Development Bank. The decision to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank  and the New Development Bank  was taken earlier in this backdrop.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to launch major Support and Outreach Initiative for MSME sector on November 02, 2018
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will launch the Union Government’s Support and Outreach Initiative for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises  at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on November 02, 2018.
Besides Delhi, similar launch programmes will be held at 100 locations across the country, where Union Ministers, and Ministers from State Governments will be present. All these locations will also connect with Delhi, for the main event, which will include a special address by the Prime Minister. He is expected to touch upon several matters of vital interest to the MSME sector.
The Union Government has accorded high priority to the MSME sector in recent years. This outreach and support programme, which will run for the next 100 days, covering the entire country, is expected to provide even greater synergy to the efforts being made for this sector. The progress of this programme, to be implemented in mission mode, will be monitored on a continuous basis by senior officials of Union and State Governments.
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley and the Union Minister of State  for MSME, Shri Giriraj Singh, are among those who will be present on the occasion.
PIB Headquarters
Last date for nominations of Padma Awards is Sept 15th, 2017
The process of nominations for the Padma Awards, 2018 is on from 1st May 2017. The last date for receipt of the nominations for the Padma Awards 2018 is September 15, 2017.
The nominations/ recommendations for the Padma Awards will be received online only on the Padma portal designed by MHA, which is available on the address www.padmaawards.gov.in. The Padma Portal gives details of all previous awardees.
Nomination/recommendation will be accepted only online. Nominations received after September 15, 2017 will also not be considered.
With the online portal, public at large have been enabled to participate in the nomination process.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the demise of former CJI Justice AS Anand
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the demise of former Chief Justice of India, Justice AS Anand.
(“Saddened by the demise of former Chief Justice of India, Justice AS Anand. My thoughts are with his family in this hour of grief. May his soul rest in peace.”, the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister Greets Kerala on its Formation Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today greeted people of Kerala on its formation day.
The state was formed on 1st November 1956, under the States Reorganisation Act.
“ On Kerala Piravi day, greetings to my sisters and brothers of Kerala. People from this state have made remarkable contributions to the nation. May the people of the state be happy and prosperous” he said.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Centre organizes Virtual Networking Meet for GI Products with Qatar
In its endeavour to promote export of agricultural products inherent to India, government organized a Virtual Networking Meet for Agri and Food GI products in association with Embassy of India, Doha and IBPC Qatar. More than 80 participants including exports, importers, representatives from IBPC, officials of Indian Embassy and Agriculture and Processed Food Export Development Authority  participated.
On the occasion, Dr. Deepak Mittal, Ambassador, Embassy of India, Doha, Qatar, addressed the participants on the opportunities in enhancing the India Qatar bilateral trade. He stated that such trade meets will provide opportunity for B2B interaction to enhance exports.
Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairman APEDA in his address emphasized on Government of India’s focus in promoting GI, organic and natural products. The attributes of Geographical Indication  adds value to the products exported.
These products are sourced directly from farmers and play a pivotal role in linking farmers with the export market. India can offer wide range of products and our exporters are keen to export to Qatar.
This Meet provided a platform for interaction between the India exporters and importers of Qatar on the strength of India in export of agri and food products of Indian origin and distinct attributes.
During interaction, the exporters informed about the potential GI products for exports such as Basmati Rice, Mango, Pomegranates, products of NER and several processed products.
These events are expected to further strengthen the confidence of the Importers in Indian Products to facilitate exports.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority  under Ministry of Commerce & Industry has contributed significantly in promoting export of agriculture and processed food products with a share of around 50%  in overall agri exports during 2021-22.
Besides being the leading producer of several agri commodities such as rice, fruits and vegetables, tea etc, India also has a distinct advantage of having registered geographical indication for several agricultural products. Presently, there are more than 400 registered Geographical Indications in India of which around 150 are agricultural and food products GI. More than 100 registered GI products fall under the category of APEDA scheduled products .
APEDA has also taken initiatives to promote new, innovative and GI products and export to new destinations.
Ministry of Finance
Late fee capped at Rs. 500/- for each GSTR-3B Return
New Delhi/Mumbai, 3 July 2020
In a major relief to the GST taxpayers, the government has decided to cap the maximum late fee for Form GSTR-3B at Rs. 500/-  per return for the tax period July 2017 to July 2020 subject to the condition that such GSTR -3B returns being filed before 30th September 2020.
The Central Board of Indirect taxes and Customs  has notified that there will be nil late fees if there is no tax liability; and, if there is any tax liability then a maximum late fee of Rs. 500 per return would be applicable to such GSTR-3B returns filed upto 30th September 2020.
CBIC said that various representations were received to give further relief in late fee charged for the tax periods of May 2020 to July 2020, in addition to earlier provided relief for February 2020 to April 2020 and relief provided for cleaning up past pendency of returns from July, 2017 to January, 2020. Also, a uniform late fee is simpler in design and easier to implement on automated common portal. So the late fee is capped at Rs. 500/- only per return, if filed before 30th September 2020.RT/SC/DR
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
District Youth Convention Programme is one of the core programs organized by NYKS: Shri Kiren Rijiju
District Youth Convention Programme is one of the core programs organized by Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan . It is a one-day programme in which 100 youth leaders from Youth Clubs participate. Issues of social and national importance are highlighted. Resource Persons provide orientation to youth leaders on addressing local and contemporary issues. Youth leaders also share experience/ best practices. Youth Leaders in turn disseminate the acquired inputs among members of their respective youth clubs.
Rs. 30,000/- per convention per district per year is allocated to each of the district Nehru Yuva Kendras for conduct of District Youth Convention Programme.
This is an ongoing programme. Experience sharing amongst youth leaders has been included in this program.
This information was given by Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
CISF is deployed at 66 airports for providing security
Advanced technologies deployed for enhanced security at airports
Presently, CISF is deployed at 66 airports for providing security. At remaining airports, security is provided by State Police. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security , the Civil Aviation Security Regulator in India, after reviewing risk and threat assessments carried out by Central Security Agencies, issues Aviation Security circulars/orders for effective implementation of security controls at all Indian airports for the purpose of safeguarding civil aviation activities/operations from an act of unlawful interference.
The CISF apprises relevant authorities from time to time about Aviation Security in different forums. The requirement of security is dynamic in nature. The security system at airports is reviewed regularly and upgraded as per the requirement by the BCAS in consultation with concerned agencies and stakeholders, including CISF and Airport Operators, depending upon threat perceptions, and corrective measures taken.
For enhancement of security infrastructure at airports, some of the technologies deployed and proposed for deployment are:
i. Computer Tomography Explosive Detection Systems  machines.
ii. Dual Generator X-BIS machines.
iii. Automated Tray Retrieval System  - installed at Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi and under trials at Delhi and a few more airports.
iv. Direction has been issued for Minimum Technical specification for Perimeter Intrusion Detection System . It has been installed at Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore airports.
v. Full Body Scanners at all airports are planned in a phased manner with all Hypersensitive and Sensitive airports on priority basis.
vi. Radiological Detection Equipment  at Indian Airports are planned in phased manner
vii. Biometric Centralized Access Control Systems have been launched in 48 Airports.
viii. Increase in number of screening machines at airports in view of increasing number of passengers.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Gen.  V. K. Singh,  in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates Manohar Parrikar on being sworn in as Goa CM
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Shri Manohar Parrikar on being sworn in as Chief Minister of Goa.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President greets the nation on the eve of Rath Yatra
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has greeted the people on the eve of Rath Yatra. Following is the full text of his message -
“My heartiest greetings and good wishes to all our countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra!
Lord Jagannath’s Puri Rath Yatra is one of the most revered and much awaited festivals for devotees from Odisha and across India. It symbolises our plural and inclusive ethos and holds immense spiritual significance for the participants.
Truly signifying the name of Lord Jagannath – ‘the Lord of Universe’, the Yatra is unparalleled in its splendour and grandeur with magnificent 'Rathas' or chariots carrying the deities.
As India and the rest of the world are passing through an unprecedented situation due to Covid-19, I appeal to everyone to celebrate Rath Yatra festival with utmost care by adhering to Covid safety norms.
May the pious and noble ideals associated with Rath Yatra enrich our lives with peace, harmony, health and happiness!”
Following is the Hindi version of the message -
“रथ-यात्रा के पावन अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को मेरी हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएँ !
ओडिशा के पुरी में भगवान जगन्नाथ की पारंपरिक रथ-यात्रा स्थानीय और सम्पूर्ण भारत के श्रद्धालुओं के लिए बहुप्रतीक्षित भावपूर्ण अवसर होता है। रथ-यात्रा हमारे विविधपूर्ण और समावेशी लोकाचार का प्रतीक है और भगवान जगन्नाथ के भक्तों के लिए इसका गहरा आध्यात्मिक महत्व है।
भगवान जगन्नाथ, बलराम जी तथा सुभद्रा जी के भव्य रथ, अखिल ब्रह्मांड में ईश्वरीय दिव्यता के प्रतीक हैं।
इस वर्ष भी भारत और शेष विश्व कोविड-19 के कारण एक अभूतपूर्व स्थिति का सामना कर रहा है, इसलिए मैं सभी नागरिकों से यह अपील करता हूँ कि वे कोविड सुरक्षा के लिए निर्धारित मानदंडों का पालन करते हुए रथयात्रा उत्सव को अत्यंत सावधानीपूर्वक मनाएँ।
रथयात्रा के पवित्र और महान आदर्श, हमारे जीवन को शांति, सद्भाव, स्वास्थ्य और खुशी से समृद्ध करें !”